Girl Power

Wow - just spent the last two days at the Women's Conference in Long Beach, California. Spearheaded by Maria Shriver (and supported by her husband, what's-his-name), this inspirational and educational conference was nothing short of amazing.

But I'm going to back up just a minute. Prior to arriving in Long Beach, I had the opportunity to attend the U2 concert at the Rose Bowl. Have never been to an event this big. About 100,000 people in attendance. Best moment was the opening act, the Black Eyed Peas (Fergie's voice is absolutely incredible, fyi)asking the audience to do a "light wave" with their BlackBerrys/cellphones.

I saw Ben Stiller come in with his wife, Christine Taylor. From where I sat it looked like they were having a bit of a domestic with him storming ahead. They were closely followed by Paris Hilton and her boyfriend-du-jour, hair flicking and posing all the way. They were followed by Will.I.Am who stuck around to see the main act.

U2 was great - you probably all watched it online on YouTube so I'll leave it at that. If they at any point had a satellite view of the arena, yes that was me walking barefoot through the arena, parking lot, and onto the shuttle bus, holding my broken shoe, which was the only negative note, but one I easily can live with.

Back to the Women's Show, which I was invited to attend by the fabulous folks at Verizon and BlackBerry. I signed books - about 75 in ten minutes both days, which was awesome. I loved meeting a bunch of BlackBerry addicted Moms just like myself.

And, for some fun, here are my observations of the many celebrities in attendance:

- Annie Liebowitz had the longest line for her book signing, of anyone. Her books sold out in 10 minutes

- Kate Gosselin really does have THAT hair. She looked crabby and was surrounded by four security guards, including THAT one.

- Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzennegger are both excellent speakers. When asked where he goes to get advice on big decisions he said "To the Almighty. My wife, Maria."

- Richard Branson needs to update his blond beach boy look. A lot. And perhaps watch what he says to a room full of empowered, intelligent women. Saying that boards should be "mandated" to have at least 50% women on them went over like a lead balloon to this "we want to earn it" crowd.

- Eve Ensler (writer, the Vagina Monologues) was fantastic, delivering her "I am an emotional creature". Best quote "No one is really charge, not even the ones pretending to be." And yelling "I'm a girl!!!" at the end. Loved it.

- Women were absolutely swooning over Dr. Oz. I just don't get it. Was advised to sneeze on him. Should have. Just skipped his speech instead.

- Jillian Michaels - amazing body - crappy speaker - "Own those feelings." Be quiet.

- Other famous peeps I loved getting a glimpse of:
Peter Kennedy Lawford (still cute), Don Lemmon, CNN (also cute), Madeline Albright, Paula Zahn, Paula Deen, Jane Goodall, Susan Saint James and Lisa Niemi.

There were many other people there who would be recognizable to most of the population, but one of the ones who wasn't, was Somaly Mam, who was the most inspiring woman I've seen speak in years. She told her incredible and heart breaking story about coming from a brothel in Cambodia, to becoming the human rights activist she is today.

You can check all of it out on-line at www.womensconference.org


You can check me out on board the Queen Mary tonight, having dinner and my own Titanic glass of wine.

(And here's a glimpse of my real life - I contemplated staying one more day to take in some more California sun after I realized the only thing on my schedule for Thursday is my son's orthodontist appointment. Until I spoke with my daughter today who told me how excited she was about me coming home tomorrow. I know it's just her expecting a gift, but I'll take it.)